From The Principals

Hello VPS & Kinder families! 

The last two weeks have been jam packed with learning and fun! Grade 6 camp was a highlight of the last fortnight, with over 100 students and a team of dedicated teachers and parents attending Coonawarra Camp for 5 days. I was lucky enough to attend the camp for a few days, and I was so impressed with the students ability to overcome their fears and try new things. From high ropes courses, giant swings to riding a horse for the first time, the Year 6s certainly had so many opportunities to make wonderful memories and take on new challenges. As well as showing bravery and persistence, the students were cheerleaders for their friends at every turn. Hearing thunderous cheers and shouts of 'that's amazing!' when a friend tried something they may have been a little hesitant to do was so uplifting, and a clear demonstration of our student's ability to take joy in the success of others. Being able to watch others succeed without feeling jealous or resentful is a vital skill, and something that allows people to fully engage with an experience for what it is. I was so impressed with the maturity, kindness and care shown by all students at camp, and back at school. I would like to extend our thanks to the Year 6 team, Travis Fraser, Carly Cassidy, Mrs Strachan as well as the wonderful parents who attended, who worked tirelessly and made the camp possible. 

Community Network

Our Community Network has met the last two weeks, and are planning some spectacular events for the students and families of Vermont. We have a very exciting event coming up on March 31st, and are pleased to announce that Vermont Primary School will be hosting it's first Colour Run! More information will come out to families early next week, so keep your eyes open for instructions of how to register for this fantastic fundraiser and all around FUN-TASTIC day! 

School Council

A huge thank you to our community members who have voted in our school council election. A reminder that this closes at 4pm on Monday 27th, after which votes will be counted and our newly formed School Council announced to the community. 

Parents and Literacy - Reading Session

Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend the annual Parents and Literacy session for Reading. We had a huge audience who were treated to some terrific information shared by some of our teachers. Thank you to Mr John Hoskin (Literacy Leader) for leading his team. Thank you also to Mrs Iacovangelo, Miss Mealings, Mrs Fuller and Mrs Battle for their efforts. We look forward to the Parents and Literacy Writing Session on Thursday 9th March.

As discussed in the session last night, we are also looking forward to the upcoming Parents with English as an Additional Language Session which is on Tuesday the 7th of March.  This session will cover:

• The importance of communication with the school i.e. whole school newsletter, Sentral, QKR, emails, school office, meetings with teachers etc.,
• What you can do to help your children develop their understanding of English,
• Navigating Sentral and QKR,
• Opportunities to get involved in school life, e.g. Community Network, 
• Celebrations - e.g. Footy Finals Fever day, Icy Pole days, performances at assembly, multicultural days etc., 

There will also be opportunities for questions to clarify events, terminology or programs at VPS.